section15 Male 57 years old HAVERHILL, MA

NESN and longtime Sox  and Bruins'  reporter Hazel Mae are parting ways on July 1.
 
It's a sad day,   to be sure.   While some folks have poked fun at the attractive Ms. Mae,   she does know baseball.    She has a vibrant personality,   and the fans have enjoyed that during her stay on NESN.

Most of all,  she took her responsibilities seriously,   while recognizing that the sports world isn't all that serious,   and she apparently has a sense of humor.

But...  first Tina Cervasio  departed,  and now Hazel is out at NESN.  

WHY?

I can only come up with some guesses;  but,  it seems that,  historically,   NESN has not wanted anyone to become a permanent fixture -- and a legend -- on their station.

In the early 1990s,   NESN management angered many Sox fans by releasing the popular and legendary Ned Martin from play-by-play duties. 

Could it be that the broadcast and cable outlets don't want any more announcers developing a permanent status?      We grew up listening to Curt Gowdy,   Ned Martin,  Jim Woods,   Ken Coleman,   Fred Cusick,   Bob Wilson,  and Johnny Most.

All were revered ,   and we had a set of familiar,   friendly voices to tune into.    The only long-term "legends: that remain are Joe Castiglione and Gil Santos.

I make this assessment because just two years ago,   the friendly Jerry Trupiano was released,   breaking up a 14-year working partnership with Mr. Castiglione.   

Trupe had his critics,  to be sure,  but the radio broadcasts haven't been the same since.  

The broadcast industry may not have any tolerance for new legends,   and it appears that future generations will have to adapt to not having them around.

And I think it's lousy.

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